Apparatus and method for controlling the recording of television programs

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method for controlling the recording of television programs are disclosed. The apparatus displays electronic program guide information superposed on a television signal. The apparatus allows a plurality of desired programs to be reserved for recording based on the electronic program guide information. If any of the reserved programs overlap, the apparatus allows the starting time and/or ending time of any of the overlapped programs to be changed. The apparatus may permit a program to be reserved for recording by inputting recording time and recording channel. If a program reserved for recording based on the electronic program guide information overlaps a program reserved for recording by inputting recording time and recording channel, a preferential setting enables one of the overlapped programs to be recorded. The apparatus advantageously causes an icon to be continuously displayed on a television screen in connection with the television picture signal when a program is reserved for recording. A corresponding method is described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a picture recorder having a reservation meansfor reserving and recording according a reservation any program ofchannels transmitted by way of the space or cable.

2. Description of Related Art

The television broadcasting program is transmitted by way of the spaceor the cable, namely cable television (CATV) to users.

A user selects a preferred program on the channel and watches theprogram on a TV set or records the program on a picture recorder. Then,a program is selected referring to a printed program table.

However, when many channels are available, for example 150 channels orlike that, it is not easy to search a preferred program on a programtable on which programs of, for example, 150 channels are listed.

For easy searching of a desired program, the method described hereinunder has been used, that is, data of the program table of each channelis inserted in the vertical blanking interval of the video signal of aspecific channel so that the insertion does not disturb the televisionsignal of the program, and such data is transmitted to users, a userviews the transmitted program table data on a television display, andsearches the channel to select the desired program of the channel.

This program table data is referred to as electronic program guide, theelectronic program guide can be displayed on a screen for individualcategories of program such as sports, news, and movies, and on thedisplay of the electronic program guide on a screen, a user can select aprogram for receiving and can reserve for recording of a program.

One example of a program guide picture of such an electronic programguide displayed on a television set is shown in FIG. 8. In the figure,the first row shows the title of the program guide picture, “ProgramGuide” is displayed, the second row shows month, day, and time, themonth and day “SEP. 7” and two grids of “8:00 p.m.” and “9:00 p.m.” areshown. In the third and lower rows, channel names are shown in the lefthand side and the names of program which will be broadcasted in the timeindicated in the grids and the month and the day shown in the second roware shown in the right side hand correspondingly to the channel names.For example, it is shown that in the channel CSP2, NEWS1 will bebroadcasted from 8:00 p.m. for one hour, and NEWS2 will be broadcastedfrom 9:00 p.m. Similarly, in the channel 26, Famous American will bebroadcasted from 8:00 p.m. for 2 hours.

Picture recording is reserved using a program guide picture as describedherein above, the detail of the method is described referring to FIG. 9.A program guide picture as shown in FIG. 9A is displayed and the pictureis scrolled until a program to be recorded is displayed on the screen.When the program to be recorded is displayed on the screen, a cursor ismoved to the row of the program to be recorded by operating the cursormoving key. Then, the display where the cursor is moved to the rowchanges as shown in FIG. 9A. This change involves the change in displaymode such as background color or reverse display.

In the example shown in the figure, a cursor is moved to the row ofprogram City Slickers to be broadcasted in the channel SHOW from 8:00p.m. on SEP. 7 for 2 hours, and the display mode of the program rowchanges. Then, by pushing the program reservation button (Rec key) inthis condition, the recording of this program is reserved.

Upon pushing the button, the display on the screen changes to thepicture for displaying the reserved program as shown in FIG. 9B, theprogram reservation picture of the program to be broadcasted on thechannel SHOW from 8:00 p.m. on SEP. 7 for 2 hours is displayed forconfirmation.

When a program is reserved using an electronic program guide on theabove-mentioned electronic appliance, if the program desired to bereserved overlaps even over several minutes with a program which hadbeen reserved already, the electronic appliance determines that theprogram desired to be reserved overlaps with a reserved program, and theelectronic appliance rejects the new program reservation which overlaps.

However, when a user wants to confirm a reserved program which isoverlap reserved, if the program desired to be reserved is displayedover a plurality of pages of the program guide picture, it is difficultto find the overlapped program.

Otherwise for example, when a program which overlaps with an alreadyreserved program is desired to be reserved, the user once cancels theprogram reservation of the already reserved program and then operatesthe new program reservation. Such operations are troublesome for a user.Further, the program reservation using the program guide involves thereservation by program unit, therefore the time of picture recording cannot be changed, for example, when the time of picture recording of aprogram overlaps partially, the desire that the partial program forpicture recording which does not overlap, for example only the firsthalf (second half), is recorded can not be accepted. This is a problemof the conventional program reservation system.

An electronic appliance for picture recording is provided usually with areservation means for reserving a program by setting the picturerecording month and day, picture recording time, and picture recordingchannel. One example is described referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 shows apicture display of such a reservation means, in this example picturedisplay, July 6 WED is inputted and displayed as the picture recordingmonth and day, 7:00 a.m. is inputted and displayed as the picturerecording starting time, 8:00 a.m. is inputted and displayed as thepicture recording ending time, 6 channel is inputted and displayed asthe picture recording channel. A user reserves a program when confirmingthis displayed picture.

As described herein above, some electronic appliances are provided withtwo reservation means, namely, the first reservation means for reservinga program using the electronic program guide displayed on the televisionscreen and the second reservation means for reserving a program by amethod in which a user sets the picture recording month and day, picturerecording time, and picture recording channel.

However, the first reservation means and the second reservation meansoperate reservation independently, therefore, when reservations by tworeservation means overlap, the execution of reservation is involved inconfusion, the confusion is a problem.

The problem is described in detail referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12herein under. The first and second reservation means are executed bymicrocomputers respectively, and the job is performed with one period ofa vertical synchronizing signal of a video signal as one cycle. The onecycle is about 16.7 ms for NTSC system as shown in FIG. 11A, time sharedone period is assigned for execution time of various jobs. For examplein FIG. 11B, an example of a job executed by a microcomputer (μcon A)for controlling the second reservation means is described, the jobexecuted in the second shared time is a job for communication with themicrocomputer (μcon B) for controlling the first reservation means, thejob executed in the fourth shared time is a job for controlling theexecution of the second reservation means.

In other words, when the condition that time passes the starting time ofthe program reserved by the first reservation means is informed by thejob executed in the second shared time, picture recording starts. Whenthe time passes the starting time of the program reserved by the secondreservation means, picture recording starts by the job executed in thefourth shared time.

If picture recording is reserved by the first reservation means and thesecond reservation means for the same month and day and the same time,the electronic appliance performs as described herein under.

When the picture recording starting time comes to the time point shownin the upper portion in FIG. 12A, μcon A communicates with μcon B by thejob after the starting time, and μcon A informs μcon B that it is thejust time of starting time of the program reserved by the firstreservation means. Thereby, μcon A executes (B) picture recording of theprogram reserved by the first reservation means.

Then, the control of the second reservation means is executed, byexecution of this job, it is found that it is the just time of startingtime of the program reserved by the second reservation means, μcon Aexecutes (A) picture recording of the program reserved by the secondreservation means.

As described herein above, in this case, the recording program ischanged at a moment as shown in FIG. 12A, finally the program reservedby the second reservation means is recorded.

Then, the time comes to the time point of picture recording startingtime as shown on the upper portion of FIG. 12B, μcon A executes controlof the second reservation means by the job after the starting time, itis found that it is the just starting time of the program reserved bythe second reservation means, and μcon A executes (A) picture recordingof the program reserved by the second reservation means.

In the next period of vertical synchronizing signal, μcon A communicateswith μcon B, and μcon B informs μcon A that it is the just starting timeof the program reserved by the first reservation means. Thereby, μcon Aexecutes (B) picture recording of the program reserved by the firstreservation means.

As described herein above, in this case, finally the program reserved bythe first reservation means is recorded as shown in FIG. 12B. Asdescribed hereinbefore, the reservation means by which the executedpicture recording program is reserved is different depending on when thestating time comes, therefore the overlapped reservation causesconfusion.

When an electronic appliance accepts a program reservation and then thepower supply is turned off, the electronic appliance remains in thecondition of reservation waiting, only when the electronic appliance isremained in reservation waiting, the condition of reservation waiting isdisplayed on the electronic appliance. However, when the programreservation is executed using the electronic program guide, if theelectronic appliance is under supply of power, when the time comes tothe starting time of reserved program, the picture recording starts. Inthat case, because the no indication of picture recording reservation isdisplayed on the screen, the user can not recognize the picturerecording reservation, and a recording tape can not be prepared, this isanother problem.

The condition that a recording tape is not prepared means suchconditions that a recording tape set on the electronic appliance is notready for recording, that a recording tape with the length insufficientfor recording is set, and that a recorded recording tape which does notaccept substitute recording is set.

The present invention is accomplished in view of solving theseabove-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present inventionto provide an electronic appliance having improved convenience for usewhen programs reserved using the electronic program guide are overlappedand having performance that, if picture recording reservations by tworeservation means overlap, the reservation is executed withoutconfusion.

Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide anelectronic appliance which displays the existence of a programreservation when the program is reserved and power supply is on.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the object of the present invention, the present inventionprovides the electronic appliance which electronic appliance displaysthe electronic program guide information superposed on the televisionsignal and is provided with the first reservation means for reservationof picture recording of a desired program based on the electronicprogram guide information, wherein, the electronic appliance is providedwith a selection means for selecting one of overlapped programs reservedfor picture recording when the time zone of the specified and reservedprograms overlaps.

The electronic appliance is provided with a display means for displayingthe picture recording reservation information of the overlapped programreserved for picture recording.

The starting time and/or ending time for the time zone where two or moreprograms overlap is corrected by key operation or the picture recordingreservation of any one of overlapped programs are cancelled.

The electronic appliance of the present invention is provided with asetting means for setting the preferential execution of either picturerecording reservations reserved by the first reservation means forreservation of picture recording on the display of the electronicprogram guide information superposed on the television signal or by thesecond reservation means for reserving picture recording by inputting atleast recording time and recording channel.

In the above-mentioned picture recorder, the above-mentioned settingmeans is a mechanical switch or menu picture displayed on the screen,and further, the preference for execution of either picture recordingreservations by the first or second reservation means may be setautomatically depending on the specific information transmitted togetherwith the electronic program guide.

In another electronic appliance of the present invention used to achievethe above-mentioned object, at least the first reservation means forpicture recording reservation on the display of the electronic programguide transmitted is provided, and when a picture recording is reserved,the reservation display for indicating the condition that the picturerecording is reserved is displayed always.

In yet another electronic appliance of the present invention, when apicture recording is reserved by the above-mentioned first reservationmeans, the above-mentioned reservation display may be displayed, andfurther the above-mentioned reservation display may be displayed bylighting on a light emitting diode or may be displayed by displaying anicon superimposed on the screen.

According to the present invention, when programs reserved for picturerecording using the electronic program guide information overlap, theoverlapped reserved programs are displayed, then correction of thepicture recording starting time or picture recording ending time of theprograms or cancellation is operated on the program guide picture, thusthe convenience for use for picture recording reservation using theelectronic program guide is improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the picture recordingreservation is executed according to the preference for execution ofeither picture recording reservations by the first reservation means orby the second reservation means when the time comes to the picturerecording reservation time, therefore the confusion in execution ofreservation is prevented.

The display of picture recording reservation is displayed when a picturerecording is reserved, and a recording tape which is surely availablefor recording is therefore set on the picture recorder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for illustrating a structure of an embodimentof the picture recorder of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating an option picture displayed on thepicture recorder of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a set of diagrams, when the execution of reservation B ispreferential in the picture recorder of the present invention, forillustrating the job executed by μcon A when the time comes to thestarting time just after Vsync and the timing of picture recordingexecution, and for illustrating the job executed by μcon A when the timecomes to the starting time just after communication processing with μcomB and the timing of picture recording execution.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing reservation execution controlroutine of μcon A when the execution of reservation B is preferential inthe picture recorder of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating the transmission of contractedinformation through a network.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for describing reservation execution controlroutine of μcon A for switching the reservation means depending onbefore or after contract in the picture recorder of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating an example in which the existenceof a reservation is shown by an icon in the picture recorder of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a menu picture of the electronicprogram guide.

FIG. 9 is a set of diagram for illustrating a picture display of amethod for program reservation using the electronic program guide.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for picture display of a method for programreservation by inputting picture recording month and day, and picturerecording time.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating timing of job executed by μcon Ain the conventional picture recorder.

FIG. 12 is a set of diagrams for illustrating the job executed by μcon Awhen the time comes to the starting time just after Vsync and timing ofthe picture recording execution, and for illustrating job executed byμcon A when the time comes to the starting time just after communicationprocessing with μcon B and timing of the picture recording execution.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating the processing when programreservation by the first reservation means in accordance with theembodiment of the present invention overlaps.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for illustrating an example of picture display whena program is reserved using the electronic program guide.

FIG. 15 is a set of diagrams for illustrating the overlap informationpicture displayed when a program is reserved by the electronic programguide and the position of a cursor displayed.

FIG. 16 is a set of diagrams for illustrating an example of picturedisplay when the picture recording reservation is corrected on a programguide picture.

FIG. 17 is a set of diagrams for illustrating an example of picturedisplay when the picture recording reservation is corrected on a programguide picture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The structure of an embodiment of the picture recorder of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 1.

In the picture recorder shown in FIG. 1, a television signal inputtedfrom an antenna 1 is inputted to a tuner circuit 2. The televisionsignal of the channel selected by a user is converted to a video signalin the tuner circuit 2, and inputted to a picture recording circuit 6,and also inputted to a microcomputer device B 7 (μcon B). The tunercircuit 2 selects channels to which the electronic program guide isinserted in the vertical blanking time period and outputs the electronicprogram guide information to μcon B 7 during a specific time periodwhile the picture recorder is, for example, in stand-by condition. Theμcon B 7 is provided with a slice/decoding circuit 7-1 and displaycircuit 7-2, the video signal from the tuner circuit 2 is inputted tothe slice/decoding circuit 7-1 of the μcon B 7.

The picture recording control signal is fed from the microcomputerdevice A (μcon A) 5 to the picture recording circuit 6, and the picturerecording is controlled therein. The remote control signal is fed fromthe remote control input circuit 3 to the μcon A 5, and the μcon A 5outputs the reservation display information to the display means 9 suchas a display tube and LED. Further, for displaying reservationinformation on the screen of a television set, the reservationinformation outputted from the μcon A 5 is converted to a video signalin the display circuit 10. For example, a character generator fordisplaying a display information and frame memory for displaying areprovided in the display circuit 10.

The remote control input circuit 3 receives a remote control keyinformation when the remote control key 4 is operated, demodulatesmodulated remote control key information, and transmits the demodulatedremote control information to the μcon A 5. When, for example, recordingtime data and recording channel data for picture recording reservationare transmitted from the remote controller 4, these data are fed to theμcon A 5 for picture recording reservation. The picture recordingreservation is controlled by the μcon A 5.

Further, a picture recording is reserved by the remote controller 4, andthen power supply to the picture recorder is turned off, when, thepicture recorder is brought in the waiting condition, a reservationwaiting information is fed from the μcon A 5 to the display means 9, thecondition that the picture recorder is in waiting condition is displayedby the display tube or LED. Thereby, a user sees the display on thedisplay means 9 and recognizes the condition that the picture recorderis in picture recording reservation.

When a picture recording is reserved by the remote controller 4, thecontent of picture recording reservation inputted by key operation ofthe remote controller 4 is displayed on the screen of the televisionset, it is possible to reserve a picture recording with confirming thepicture displayed on the screen.

The change-over switch 11 is served for change-over controlling of apicture displayed on the monitor screen. For example, when a userreserves a picture recording or selects a channel using the electronicprogram guide, by inputting the change-over key provided on the remotecontroller, the change-over switch 11 is controlled so as to connect tothe display circuit 7-2. In this case, a picture of program guide isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 8, then the user can select a desired programon the program guide picture, and can reserve a picture recording andselect a channel for the program.

On the other hand, in the condition that the change-over switch 11 isconnected to the display circuit 10, for example, when a user inputs apicture recording month and day, picture recording channel, and picturerecording time for picture recording reservation from the remotecontroller or the operation means of the television set, the picturerecording reservation information is displayed.

The μcon B 7 is a microcomputer for controlling the informationconcerning the electronic program guide inserted in the received videosignal, picks up the electronic program guide data inserted in thevertical blanking interval (VBI) of the video signal of a channelselected using the tuner circuit 2, decodes it, thereafter stores it inthe memory 8 (SRAM). When, the slice/decoding circuit 7-1 executeswaveform shaping of the electronic program guide data, after thewaveform shaping, decodes the electronic program guide data.

To display the electronic program guide decoded on the screen of thetelevision set, the electronic program guide is converted to the videosignal by the display circuit 7-2, and the video signal is inputted tothe one fixed contact of the change-over switch 11. The display circuit7-2 is provided with a character generator and frame memory fordisplaying.

In the condition that the change-over switch 11 is switched as shown inFIG. 1, the electronic program guide picture is displayed on the screenof the television set, by operating the remote controller 4 on theelectronic program guide picture, a user can select a desired programand reserve the program for picture recording.

As described herein above, data of the electronic program guide areinserted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of video signal, theelectronic program guide data covers, for example, programs in theperiod of 7 days, therefore the memory 8 has a memory capable of storingthe electronic program guide data for 7 days covering about 70 channels.

The μcon A 5 and μcon B 7 are structured so as to communicate eachother, a reservation information for picture recording reservation underthe control by the μcon B 7 and remote control information transmittedfrom the remote controller 4 is transferable mutually.

Next, the picture recorder structured as described herein above isprovided the first reservation means for picture recording reservationusing the electronic program guide as shown in the above-mentioned FIG.9 and the second reservation means for picture recording reservation byinputting picture recording month and day, picture recording time, andpicture recording channel as shown in the above-mentioned FIG. 10 forpicture recording reservation.

In the picture recorder of the present invention advantageously, a usercan select as desired the priority between the picture recordingreservation reserved by the first reservation means and the picturerecording reservation reserved by the second reservation means.

Herein, the method for picture recording reservation using the firstreservation means is described in detail herein under. The channel inwhich the electronic program guide data are inserted in VBI is selectedby the tuner 2, and the video signal of the channel is inputted to theμcon B 7. The μcon B 7 separates and decodes the electronic programguide data from the input video signal, converts it to the video signalof the menu picture as shown in FIG. 9A, and outputs it in the displaycircuit 7-2. The video signal is inputted to a television set not shownin the figure through the switch 11, and the electronic program guide asshown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the screen.

The electronic program guide contains programs for all channels,therefore when the number of channels are large, one picture can notdisplay all the programs, in that case, the picture is scrolled until adesired electronic program guide is displayed on the screen. When theprogram to be reserved for picture recording is displayed, cursor movingkeys of the remote controller 4 are operated to move the cursor to therow of the program desired to be reserved. When, the background color ordisplay condition of the row where the cursor is moved is changed to aspecial display condition such as reverse printing as shown in FIG. 9A.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the cursor is moved to the program rowof City Slickers which will be broadcasted on the channel of SHOW from8:00 p.m. on SEP. 7 for 2 hours, the display condition of the programrow is changed. In this condition, by pushing the picture recordingreservation button (Rec key) of the remote controller 4, this program isreserved for picture recording.

Then, the picture display changes to a picture display as shown in FIG.9B for indicating the program which was reserved for picture recording,thereby the user can confirm the picture recording reservation of CitySlickers which will be broadcasted on the channel of SHOW from 8:00 p.m.on SEP. 7 for 2 hours.

The picture recording can be reserved by the first reservation means asdescribed herein above, the μcon B 7 controls the display which involvespicture recording reservation.

Next, a method is described herein under referring to FIG. 13 to FIG. 17for correcting the picture recording reservation when a program desiredto be reserved by the first reservation means is overlapped with aprogram which was already reserved for picture recording.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for describing the first reservation correctingmethod for correcting on a program guide picture when picture recordingreservations by the electronic program guide are overlapped.

First, in the case that a user reserves picture recording on a programguide picture, in the step S001, the existence of a program which wasalready reserved for picture recording is determined, if it is YES, inthe step S002, whether the reserved time of the program which is nowreserved for picture recording is overlapped with the reserved time ofthe program which was already reserved for picture recording isdetermined.

If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the end, but if thedetermination is YES, the process proceeds to the step S003.

For example as shown in FIG. 14, the News which will be broadcasted onthe channel A from 8:00 p.m. on SEP. 7 for 2 hours is already reserved,and when the user reserved now a picture recording of the Movie whichwill be broadcasted on the channel B, in the step 002, the reserved timefor picture recording of the Movie program which is now reserved isdetermined to be overlapped with the News program which was alreadyreserved for picture recording.

In the step S002, if the determination is YES, an overlap informationpicture (Overlapped Event) for indicating the overlapped programs inpicture recording time as shown in FIG. 15A is pop-up displayed on theprogram guide picture (S003).

On the overlap information picture, the reservation information such asa channel, a day of the week, a starting time of picture recording, atitle of program, and a picture recording time is displayed as shown inFIG. 15A on the upper portion of the picture, and the bar indication ofa picture recording reservation time of the overlapped programs isdisplayed on the lower portion of the picture. Further, the flickeringcursor is displayed at the right end of the one bar of the barindication (S004).

The position of the flickering cursor can be moved by operating “, ,<, >” cursor moving keys provided on the remote controller, for example,by operating “<” cursor moving key in the condition that the flickeringcursor is positioned at the right end of the bar indicator, the cursoris moved to the head of the bar indicator of the channel A as shown inFIG. 15B.

By operating “” cursor moving key, the cursor is moved to the tail ofthe bar indicator of the channel B.

When the user corrects a starting time of the overlapped program whichis reserved for picture recording, the cursor is moved to the head ofthe bar indicator of the program to be corrected. When the ending timeis corrected, the cursor is moved to the tail of the bar indicator ofthe program to be corrected (S005, S006), and “Enter Key” key isinputted, then the cursor is changed from flickering to lighting on, andthe mode is changed to the correction mode of the picture recordingreservation time (S007 and S008).

Next in the step S009, the existence of “Exit Key” key input isdetermined, when “Exit Key” key is inputted, the overlapped picturerecording reservation inputted later is erased forcedly, thus thecorrection processing is brought to an end (S009 and S010).

On the other hand, if the determination is NO in the step S009, theprocess returns to the step S004 and again whether the cursor isflickering is determined. Therefore, this sequence of operations isrepeated until “Enter Key” key is inputted to change the cursor tolighting on condition in the step S007 or “Exit Key” key is inputted toend the correction processing in the step S009.

In the step S004, if the condition of the cursor is determined to be notin flickering but in lighting on, the process goes to the branch stepS011 to determine the existence of input of “<, >” cursor moving key.When, for example, the cursor is lighting on at the tail of barindicator of the channel A, if “<” cursor moving key is inputted, thepicture recording ending time on the channel A is shortened by, forexample, 10 minute unit.

When the cursor is lighting on at the head of the bar indicator of thechannel A, if “>” cursor moving key is inputted, the picture recordingstarting time on the channel A is delayed by, for example, 10 minuteunit (S012).

When the cursor is lighting on, if “Clear Key” key is inputted, thepicture recording reservation where the cursor is positioned is erased(S013 and S014).

FIG. 16A shows an example that, in the overlapped information picture asshown in FIG. 15A, the ending time of the program of A channel isexpedited by 1 hour to eliminate the overlapping with the program of Bchannel, FIG. 16B shows another example that the ending time of thechannel A is expedited by 30 minutes, thereafter the cursor is moved tothe channel B, the starting time of picture recording on the channel Bis delayed by 30 minutes, thus the overlapping is corrected andeliminated. FIG. 16C shows yet another example that “Clear Key” key isinputted in the condition of the cursor being positioned on the barindicator of the channel B to erase the picture recording reservation ofthe channel B.

Then in the step S015, whether the picture recording reservation isoverlapped is determined, if the determination is NO, the correctionprocessing goes to the end.

On the other hand, in the step S015, if the determination is YES, in thestep S009, the existence of “Exit Key” key input is determined again, ifthe determination is NO, the process returns to the step S004 todetermine the flickering of the cursor, and the correction processing ofpicture recording time is continued.

As described herein above in the picture recorder in accordance with theembodiment of the present invention, overlapping of the reservation timeof a program reserved for picture recording using the program guide isdetermined, if the reservation time is overlapped, an overlappedinformation picture is displayed to inform a user the overlapped programreserved for picture recording. Then the starting time or ending time ofreserved programs can be corrected or desired reserved program can beerased for convenience in use.

Next, the second reservation correcting method for correcting theoverlapping of the picture recording reservation using the electronicprogram guide on the program guide picture is described referring toFIG. 17.

When the picture recording is reserved using the program guide picture,a program desired to be reserved is selected on the program guidepicture and “Rec Key” key is operated, thereby the picture recording isreserved, in this case, for example, the News program on the channel Ais reserved for picture recording as shown in FIG. 17A, the backgroundcolor of the program row of this program is changed to red.

In the condition that a program is reserved for picture recording, forexample, if a user moves the cursor to the Movie program which will bebroadcasted on the channel B, then pushes the picture recordingreservation button “Rec Key”, the picture recording time overlaps withthat of the News program of the channel A which was already reserved forpicture recording, then ? mark is displayed at the head of the title ofthe Movie program of the channel B to be reserved now for picturerecording as shown in FIG. 17B, and, for example, the background colorof the overlapped programs reserved for picture recording of thechannels A and B is changed from red to yellow, thus the overlapping ofthe program reservation is indicated to the user.

When the overlapping of recording time of the channel A and channel B iseliminated so that a user can reserve picture recording of the Movieprogram of the channel B, for example, by shortening the recording timeof the News program of the channel A, the cursor is moved to the programrow of the News program of the channel A displayed in yellow, and thepicture recording reservation button “Rec Key” is pushed again. Thereby,the program row of the channel A begins flickering, and by pushing “<”key out of the right and left cursor moving keys of the remotecontroller in the condition of flickering, the picture recording time ofthe channel A is shortened (for example 10 minute unit) as shown in FIG.17C. When the overlapping of the recording time of the program of thechannel A with that of the program of the channel B is eliminated, thatis, when the overlapped picture recording reservation is eliminated, thebackground color changes to red which indicates the normal reservedpicture recording condition, thus the picture reservation is completed.

Otherwise, for example, in the condition that the program row reservedfor picture recording is flickering, “>” key out of right and leftcursor moving keys of the remote controller is pushed, the reservationstarting time can be delayed by, for example, 10 minute unit. When thepicture recording starting time or picture recording ending time iscorrected wrong by moving the cursor moving keys, the picture recordingreservation is returned to the initial condition by pushing “CANCEL Key”provided on the remote controller.

Such correction of the picture recording reservation time is possiblenot only in the condition that the picture recording reservation isoverlapped with the displayed program row colored yellow but also in thecondition that the picture recording reservation is normal with thedisplayed program row colored red.

In the example described herein above, the overlapped picture recordingreservations are displayed on the same program guide picture, thereforea user can correct easily the reserved time with confirming the programrow, however in the case that many channels are available and theprogram guide information is displayed over a plurality of pages, andthe overlapped picture recording reservations are displayed on differentpages, it is not easy to find out the overlapped programs.

When the program guide information of overlapped programs reserved forpicture recording is displayed on a plurality of pages, for example,“List Key” of the remote controller is pushed.

Thereby, an overlapped information picture is displayed on the monitoras shown in FIG. 17 (e), the user can confirm the list of the overlappedprograms. Further, the picture recorder may be structured so that thepicture recording reservation is corrected on this picture display byoperating the cursor moving keys to cancel the picture recordingreservation, expedite the ending time of the picture recordingreservation, or delay the picture recording starting time.

In the above-mentioned correction method for correcting picturerecording reservation time, the picture recording ending time isshortened by 10 minute unit or the picture recording starting time isdelayed by 10 minute unit by operating the cursor moving keys on thescreen, otherwise, the picture recorder may be structured so that thepicture recording starting time or picture recording ending time iscorrected to the point sufficient for eliminating the overlap.

Though the number of days included in the electronic program guidestored in the picture recorder is restricted by the memory capacity orthe quantity of transmitted data, for example, even when the programwhich will be broadcasted on the month and day when the electronicprogram guide data is not stored yet is selected, the picture recordingreservation and correction of picture recording reservation arepossible.

Next, a method for picture recording reservation for the secondreservation means is described. In the reservation means, the displaycircuit 10 outputs the video signal of the picture recording reservationpicture as shown in FIG. 10 by controlling the display circuit 10 usingthe μcon A 5. The video signal is inputted to the television set throughthe change-over switch 11, and the picture recording picture shown inFIG. 10 is displayed on the screen.

Then, the picture recording month and day information, picture recordingtime information, and picture recording channel information aretransmitted by operation of keys provided on the remote controller 4.

The transmitted signal is received and demodulated by the remotecontroller input circuit 3 and the picture recording month and dayinformation, picture recording time information, and picture recordingchannel information are inputted from the remote controller inputcircuit 3 to the μcon A 5. The μcon A 5 receives these information, andtransmits the data for displaying to the display circuit 10, thereby thepicture recording reservation picture including the picture recordingreservation information is displayed as shown in FIG. 10.

On the picture display shown in FIG. 10, July 6, WED, 7:00 a.m., and8:00 a.m. are displayed as the picture recording month and day, picturerecording starting time, and picture recording ending time respectively,a user reserves a picture recording with confirming this picturedisplay.

The μcon A 5 executes the second reservation method, and when the timecomes to the starting time of a picture recording reservation by thefirst reservation method, the μcon B7 transmits the picture recordingcontrol signal to the μcon A 5, then the μcon A 5 transmits the picturerecording control signal to the picture recording circuit 6 to executerecording according to the first reservation method.

In the picture recorder of the present invention, an option picture isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 2. The option picture is displayed to selectany picture recording reservation to be executed preferentially out ofpicture recording reservations reserved by the first reservation meansand second reservation means. The TIMER row is available in the optionpicture shown in FIG. 2, in this row, an icon A for indicating thesecond reservation means and icon B for indicating the first reservationmeans are displayed. If the cursor is moved to the icon A, the displaymode of the icon A is changed as shown in the figure, and preferentialexecution of the picture recording reservation by the second reservationmeans is set. On the contrary, if the cursor is moved to the icon B,preferential execution of the picture recording reservation by the firstreservation means is set.

For example, operations of the picture recorder when the cursor is movedto the icon B to set preferential execution of picture recordingreservation by the first reservation means is described referring toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows the case that the first reservation means and secondreservation means reserve picture recording of different programs whichwill be broadcasted on the same month and day and at the same time, andshows the job (JOB) executed by the μcon A 5 and timing for execution ofpicture recording. The μcon A 5 and μcon B 7 execute their various jobsusing 1 period of the vertical synchronizing signal (Vsync) of the videosignal as a unit by time sharing.

Programs which will be broadcasted on the same day at the same time arereserved by the first reservation means and the second reservationmeans, therefore when the μcon A 5 refers the timer, and thereby theμcon A 5 detects that the time comes to the starting time of thereserved picture recording at the timing of the starting time shown inFIG. 3A, and the μcon B 7 detects that the time comes to the startingtime of the reserved picture recording at the timing of the startingtime shown in FIG. 3A.

Then, the μcon A 5 receives an indication of execution of the picturerecording reservation by the first reservation means from the μcon B 7through communication with the μcon B 7 in the job (1) shown in the rowof JOB, and the μcon A 5 transmits a picture recording control signal tothe picture recording circuit 6 to execute recording of the picturerecording reservation by the first reservation means. Thereby, thepicture recording reservation by the first reservation means is executed(B) as shown in the figure.

Then, the picture recording reservation by the second reservation meansis executed (A) in the job (2) shown in the row of JOB, when, becausethe picture recording reservation reserved by the first reservationmeans had set to be executed preferentially, the execution of thepicture recording reservation reserved by the second reservation meansis canceled. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the picture recordingcircuit 6 records the program reserved for picture recording by thefirst reservation means.

Operations of the picture recorder when the μcon A 5 refers the timerand detects that the time comes to the starting time of the picturerecording reserved at the timing of the starting time as shown in FIG.3B is described herein under. In this case, also the μcon B 7 detectsthat the time comes to the starting time of the picture recordingreserved at the timing of the starting time shown in FIG. 3B.

Then, the picture recording reservation by the second reservation meansis executed (A) in the job (2) shown in the row of JOB. In detail, theμcon A 5 outputs a picture control signal to the picture recordingcircuit 6, and the picture recording circuit 6 starts to record theprogram reserved for picture recording by the second reservation means.

Then, the time comes to the next period of Vsync, the μcon A 5 receivesthe indication for execution (B) of the picture recording reservation bythe first reservation means through communication with the μcon B 7shown by the job (1) in the row of JOB, and the μcon A 5 transmits thepicture recording control signal to the picture recording circuit 6 toexecute recording of the picture recording reservation by the firstreservation means. Thereby, the picture recording reservation by thefirst reservation means is executed (B) instead of the execution (A) ofthe picture recording reservation by the second reservation means asshown in the figure.

As described herein above, regardless of the arrival of a starting time,finally the picture recording circuit 6 records the program reserved forpicture recording by the first reservation means, thus the confusion inexecution of picture recording reservation is prevented.

A flowchart of reservation execution control routine executed by theμcon A 5 is shown in FIG. 4 for the above-mentioned case.

Upon starting of this routine, whether Vsync arrived is determined inthe step 001, the step 001 is operated repeatedly until Vsync arrives.When Vsync arrives, the Vsync is determined to be YES in the step 001,then the μcon A 5 communicates with the μcon B in the step 002. Whetherthe communication content includes the starting request for a picturerecording reservation (reservation B) by the first reservation means isdetermined in the step 003, if the starting request is not included andtherefore the determination is NO, the process proceeds to the step 007,and whether the time comes to the starting time of the picture recordingreservation (reservation A) by the second reservation means isdetermined. If the time of the timer built in the internal of the μcon A5 passes the starting time of the picture recording reservation, thedetermination is YES.

If the time does not pass the starting time and therefore thedetermination is NO, other jobs (JOB) are operated in the step 011 andthe process returns to the step 001. In the other jobs, the detectionprocessing of operated keys out of the keys provided on the picturerecorder and the reception processing of signals transmitted from theremote controller 4 are operated.

If the starting request is included in the communication content andtherefore the determination is YES in the step 003, the process branchesto the step 004, and whether the reservation A is under operation isdetermined. When, if the reservation A is not under operation as shownin FIG. 3A, the determination is NO, then picture recording of thereservation B is started in the step 005.

If the reservation A is under operation as shown in FIG. 3B in the step004, the process branches to the step 006 and the reservation A iserased, then the process proceeds to the step 005 and picture recordingof the reservation B is started.

If the arrival of the starting time of the reservation A is detected,the determination is YES, then the process branches to the step 008,then whether the reservation B is under operation is determined. When,if the reservation B is under operation as shown in FIG. 3A, thedetermination is YES, the process branches to the step 009 and thereservation A is erased, then the process proceeds to the step 011.

If the reservation B is not under operation as shown in FIG. 3B in thestep 008, the determination is NO, and picture recording of thereservation A is started in the step 010.

The reservation execution control routine executed by the μcon A 5 isoperated always by repeating a process from the step 001 to step 011with circulation as described herein above.

In some systems, a receiving contract is required for using theelectronic program guide. In detail, in the case of such systems, a usercan not reserve picture recording by the first reservation means usingthe electronic program guide without a receiving contract, the picturerecording reservation by the first reservation means is acceptable onlyafter completion of the receiving contract. The picture recordingreservation by the second reservation means is acceptable withoutcontract.

It is considered that the reservation means are switched automaticallydepending on whether the receiving contract is completed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating a picture recorder for automaticswitching, on the network, data of channel 1 program information,channel 2 program information, . . . , contract information, . . . areavailable. Each home takes up data on the network to view programs ofdesired channels. In the example in the figure, the home having theappliance ID001 has completed the receiving contract of the electronicprogram guide, the home having the appliance ID002 has not completed thereceiving contract of the electronic program guide, and the home havingthe appliance ID003 has completed the receiving contract of theelectronic program guide.

The ID information of an appliance and contract information includingidentification of “with contract” or “without contract” are transmittedalways in the contract information block on the network, the appliancesID001 to ID003 take up the contract information, and determines whetherthe contract information in ID column of this appliance is “withcontract”, and switches automatically the reservation means depending onthe determined result.

A flowchart of the reservation execution control routine for switchingautomatically the reservation means depending on the determination of“with contract” or “without contract” is shown in FIG. 6. This flowsheet is an example in which the μcon A shown in FIG. 1 operates thisreservation execution control and the reservation means is switched onlyto the first reservation means after completion of the receivingcontract.

Upon starting of the reservation execution control, whether Vsyncarrived is determined in the step 021, the step 021 is repeated withcirculation until Vsync arrives. When Vsync arrives, the determinationis YES in the step 021, the μcon A communicates with the μcon B in thestep 022. By this communication, whether this picture recorder is “withcontract” or “without contract” is determined in the step 023.

If the picture recorder is determined to be “with contract” referring tothe contract information of ID column of this picture recorder, thedetermination is YES, the process proceeds to the step 024, then whetherthe starting request for the picture recording reservation (reservationB) by the first reservation means is included in the communicationcontent is determined in the step 024. If the starting request is notcontained therefore the determination is NO, other jobs (JOB) isoperated in the step 028, and the process returns to the step 021. Inthe other jobs, the detection processing of operated keys out of keysprovided on the picture recorder and the reception processing of signalstransmitted from the remote controller 4 are operated.

If the starting request is included in the communication content in thestep 024, the picture recording of the reservation B is started in thestep 025, and the process proceeds to the step 028.

If the contract information of ID column of this picture recorder isdetermined to be “without contract” therefore the determination is NO inthe step 023, the process branches to the step 026, then whether thetime comes to the starting time of the picture recording reservation(reservation A) by the second reservation means is determined. If thecondition that the time comes to the starting time of the reservation Ais detected, the determination is YES, the process branches to the step027, then the picture recording of the reservation A is started. If thetime does not come to the reserved starting time therefore thedetermination is NO in the step 026, the process proceeds to the step028.

The reservation execution control routine from the step 021 to the step028 executed by the μcon A 5 described herein above is operatedrepeatedly always.

As described herein above, the reservation execution control routineexecuted by the μcon A 5 includes two types as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.6, the type may be selected depending on the embodiment. Otherwise, theroutine shown in FIG. 4 and the routine shown in FIG. 6 is integrated toform an integrated reservation execution control routine, and thisroutine may always be operated.

In the reservation execution reserved for picture recording by the firstreservation means using the electronic program guide, the picturerecording starts when the time comes to the starting time of the picturerecording inevitably regardless that the picture recorder is powered onor off. On the other hand, in the case of conventional picturerecorders, only when the picture recorder is powered off under thecondition that a picture recording is reserved, the picture recorder isin a waiting state and displays the condition that a picture recordingis reserved, however when the picture recorder is powered on under thecondition that a picture recording is reserved, the picture recorderdoes not display the condition that a picture recording is reserved.

Therefore, when a conventional picture recorder is powered on, the usercan not recognize whether a picture recording is reserved, and when thetime comes to the starting time of the picture recording while power ison, it can happen to record on a recording tape preparedunintentionally, and the normal picture recording is impossible.

To solve the problem, in the picture recorder of the present invention,the picture recording reservation is displayed as long as the picturerecording is reserved even under the condition that the picture recorderis powered on. The picture recording reservation is displayed bylighting on a display means 9 such as LED provided on the picturerecorder. When the reservation is impossible because a recording tape isnot set or a recording tape which is protected from recording is set,the display means 9 such as LED is structured to flicker.

A display tube may be used as the display means 9, and a pattern forindicating the picture recording reservation is displayed when a picturerecording is reserved, and a pattern for indication that the executionof reservation is impossible is displayed when the execution ofreservation is impossible.

Further, the picture recorder may be structured so that an icon forindicating the picture recording reservation is displayed on thetelevision set as shown in FIG. 7 when the picture recording isreserved, and the icon is flicked when the execution of reservation isimpossible.

As described herein above, the existence of picture recordingreservation and execution possible condition are always displayed,failure of picture recording due to incorrect reservation is preventedand the picture recording is executed consistently.

In the picture recorder shown in FIG. 1, the signal transmitted throughthe space is received on the antenna 1, however the signal transmittedthrough the CATV may be inputted to the tuner circuit 2.

In the picture recorder of the present invention, the picture recordingis reserved by the first reservation means and the second reservationmeans independently as described hereinbefore, however it may be alsopossible that the picture recording is reserved by the first reservationmeans, thereafter the picture recording is reserved by the secondreservation means, when the picture recording is reserved by the secondreservation means, the information of picture recording which wasalready reserved is displayed previously on the picture recordingreservation picture. In this case, when the picture recording isreserved by the second reservation means and thereafter the picturerecording is reserved by the first reservation means, the programinformation of picture recording which was already reserved is displayedpreviously on the electronic program guide.

Thereby, the overlapped reservation on the same day and at the same timeby the first reservation means and second reservation means is preventedmostly. The mutual transfer of reservation information is operated bythe communication between the μcon A 5 and μcon B 7.

In the embodiments of the present invention, cases that the presentinvention is applied to the picture recorder provided with theelectronic program guide is described, the present invention is notlimited to the cases, the present invention is applied to any electronicappliance as long as the appliance is provided with the electronicprogram guide.

As described herein above, in the electronic appliance of the presentinvention, when picture recording reservations reserved using theelectronic program guide are overlapped, overlapped programs reservedfor picture recording are displayed, thereby the overlapped programsreserved for picture recording are recognized easily.

The picture recording starting time or picture recording ending time iscorrected or erased on the program guide, thereby, when reservedprograms are overlapped, only a portion of the program is reserved forpicture recording, or the picture recording reservation already reservedis cancelled easily, thus the convenience in picture recordingreservation using the electronic program guide is improved.

Because the present invention is structured as described herein above,the decision whether the reservation by the first reservation means isoperated or the reservation by the second reservation means is operatedwhen the time comes to the picture recording reservation starting timeis executed according to the priority which was prescribed previously,the confusion in the reservation execution is prevented.

Further, the condition of picture recording reservation is displayedwhen picture recording is reserved, a recording tape which is surelyavailable for execution of the reservation is set on the picturerecorder.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic appliance displaying an electronicprogram guide superposed on the television signal and being providedwith first reservation means for reservation of picture recording of adesired program based on said electronic program guide information,wherein the electronic appliance is provided with selection means forselecting one of plural overlapping programs reserved for the picturerecording when time zones of specified and reserved programs overlap,wherein said electronic appliance is provided with second reservationmeans for reserving picture recording by inputting at least recordingtime and recording channel, and setting means for setting thepreferential execution of either picture recording reservations by saidfirst reservation means or by said second reservation means, whereinsaid selection means selects a picture recording reservation accordingto the setting set by said setting means when the one program of saidoverlapping programs reserved for picture recording is a programreserved by said first reservation means and the other program of saidoverlapping programs reserved for picture recording is a programreserved by said second reservation means; wherein said setting meanssets said preferential execution automatically depending on specificinformation superposed on said television signal.
 2. An electronicappliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said specific information isthe existence of a contract for said electronic program guideinformation.
 3. A method for picture recording reservation comprisingthe steps of reserving a first program for recording with firstreservation means for picture recording reservation based uponelectronic program guide information superposed on a television signal,reserving a second program for recording with second reservation meansfor picture recording reservation by inputting at least recording timeand recording channel, setting the preferential execution of picturerecording reservations, and selecting the first program or the secondprogram for recording based upon the preferential execution setting whenthe first and second programs overlap, wherein said step of setting thepreferential execution of either picture recording reservations isaccomplished based on specific information superposed on said televisionsignal.